Seventeen-year-old Alleria has always been cautioned by her parents to keep her ears covered and not think too much about the childhood she can't remember. It doesn't take long for Alleria to realize that she is adopted-and that the key to discovering her true identity lies outside her small village.
Alleria knows she is an elf living in a time when elves are thought to be extinct. As she embarks on her quest for answers about her past, she meets both passionate allies and fearsome foes.
Two of these allies are the adventurers Laderic and Midiga. Laderic, a human fortune hunter, agrees to accompany Alleria in exchange for any treasure they may find. Midiga, part of the catlike felidae race, is intent on an adventure that will blot out the bitter memories of her past.
As the three set off to find the lost elvish capital in the far north of their land, they encounter dragons, fae, and spectral beings. Some offer help and guidance to this young woman who knows nothing about her true heritage. Others seek to capture Alleria and use her mysterious powers for their own gain.
On this dangerous quest, who can she trust?
About the Author: Jessica Schmidt was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. Always a passionate reader, she began writing at the age of fourteen and hasn't stopped! She is currently a senior at the University of Louisville and is working toward her bachelor's degree in marketing.
Schmidt began writing her debut young-adult fantasy novel, Echoes of Ashes: Ember, at the age of nineteen and has been exploring it and refining it ever since. Schmidt credits her mother with being her biggest inspiration and supporter. After her mother's death, Schmidt decided to publish Echoes of Ashes: Ember in her honor.
